I've been coming to Ben for 15+ years. I learned about him as there was a woman at a Starbucks near there who had the most perfectly highlighted and cut hair that I asked told her I truly needed the name of her hairdresser. Now I just let him work his magic and I tell everyone who asks me where he works. My husband now goes there and I really wish more people would go to see him. I schedule my appointments a month in advance around his availability... read more

First allow me to shout from the rooftops.... I LOVE MY HAIR!!!!!! AND I LOVE BEN NGUYEN!!!!!! (Climbing down...) My sisters and I are a one-salon trio - first it was Gary Manuel in Seattle (http://www.yelp.com/biz/hXohGww38ZW3VrKqpULk8A#hrid:yKb79WGnAdJ5SvSEThqK4w), and now it's Ben in Menlo Park. When we find a place, we stick to it, and after going through many many stylists in the area, we have finally found our place. Ben is just awesome. When I went in, early, he was sitting waiting, and he immediately got up and greeted me. Then I showed him what I wanted, and he took his time really studying my hair, judging to see how it would look. When he finally decided how to do it, he told me exactly what he was going to do and why. Then he put this deep purple cape on me, which made me feel like royalty. (would have gone so well with the purple Mohawk, dfens...) While he was cutting my hair, I didn't say a word, and he didn't either...he was quite intent on cutting. Actually, the only sounds I made were laughs when I started to realize how delighted I was going to be. But I totally appreciated the silence - the last haircut I had, the woman talked and talked and talked. Luckily a bunch of us girls were there, so we could all talk together, but we were seriously there for hours. Some housekeeping business: He's based out of European Styling Parlour in Menlo Park, but he's his own man - makes his own appointments, collects his own money, etc., so if you call the salon, they will refer you to his cell. So call him directly. And bring cash. So yes, HIGHLY recommended. I so wanted to make this the mother of all reviews for the sole reason to get him more business (I don't think he's been there long). But you can tell how enthusiastic I am, right? Go go go! You won't be sorry. Oh! And I didn't mention...he only charges $40! ...just put the pic up. read more

People told me I was crazy for choosing my new hairdresser based on a few Yelp reviews, but Ben is awesome and well worth the risk. He is super friendly and engaging, without being intrusive or pushy as so many stylists are, but he does gently nudge you in the right direction towards the perfect cut. I've had hair down to beneath my shoulder blades for nearly 10 years now, and since I'm a recent transplant to the Peninsula, I figured it's as good a time as any to take the axe to my long locks. Ben brought my hair just above the shoulders and I couldn't be happier. There is one small setback to this dream styling parlour: Ben doesn't take credit card. Now, some of you might be thinking this is worth docking a star from his rating, but when I told Ben I didn't have enough cash (or a checkbook) he told me I could just bring the money in later, or even mail it to him! What amazing customer service! And the price is right, too: under $50 including tip. Check Ben out: conveniently located near Starbucks, Yogurt Stop, and the best Safeway on Earth. read more

I just got my hair cut a couple days ago by Ben and can say: 1) He's knowledgeable, and lets you know his opinion about a style, technique or treatment when he asks for your ideas, 2) He's careful. He's gentle with your hair, scalp, ears, so so forth as he's cutting, drying, and styling. 3) He's reasonably priced. 4) He has good attention to detail, what suits your face and hair texture. I had my hair cut and layered and he did a really nice job. It was probably the nicest cut and styling I've had done outside of Europe. If only I could style it myself later as nicely as he does after he is done. read more

Ben only takes cash or check, no credit cards, so bring some moolah when you get your hair cut. My cut cost $50 + tip. My peeve is that for $50, he doesn't really give you a head massage when he washes your hair, and he does this annoying thing where he puts his fingers almost pointedly into your scalp and moves your head to the position that he wants it. Ben is skilled, no doubt. He recognized that the last person who cut my hair had razored it, and he fixed the layers so they were neater. The haircut he gave me moves well, but I'm still waiting to see how it grows out, so I'm holding out on the last star for now. There is a parking lot, but it's small so if you see a spot on the street, grab it. Also, make sure to call a week in advance of when you want your appointment, particularly for Saturdays. read more

I have been going to Ben for over 8 years now - one day my regular stylist was on vacation and Ben filled in and did a WAY better job than she ever did - I have stayed with him ever since! Ben is really knows what he is doing and gives excellent guidance for what will work best for you. Ben is also an outstanding colorist and I am SUPER picky about my color being done exactly right. I have found that he has always made sure that his customers are very happy with the result - many people say customer satisfaction is their strength, but in his case, its really true. He is always on time, will find a way to work around your schedule to fit you in and always greets you with a smile. Not many stylists work on Monday's so that is one extra benefit. I will reiterate what many say regarding the salon itself, its not big on frills but what IS important is that you have a stylist that knows what they are doing and you will find this in Ben. I have a huge amount of respect for his work ethic as well as his mad hair cutting and color skills! Try him out - I don't think you will be disappointed. read more

Ben is a very nice and does a good job at hair. I had to go to him since my stylist was not available but now that my stylist is and my sister in law does hair, I don't really go by there...although I should stop by. Thanks, Ben! Keep up the great work and pleasant vibes! read more

I really love how Ben cuts my hair! I only cut my hair once or twice a year because I am totally f'ing lazy but when I do get it cut here, it is fantastic and people notice. The place is totally no frills but you walk away with a really stylish cut for $40. I've been to Mission 6, 1258, and Cowboys and Angels, and Ben has given me the best cuts hands down. read more

I have going to see Ben for four years and I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else to get my hair done. He works for himself out of The European Styling Salon in Menlo Park. He does an amazing cut and highlights for $125 and I'm always getting compliments on what a great job he does. I moved to Santa Cruz last year but I still make the hour long drive to see him. Just remember to bring cash because he doesn't take credit cards. read more

You don't know what you got 'til its gone! I miss you Ben, I'm sorry I left. When we moved out of town, I tried a new stylist every 2 months, from $20 to $120 and noone has come close to making my hairstyle suit my face. I'm clueless and need someone that isn't afraid to step up and "just do it." Ben does just that. I don't tell him a thing except, "whatever you think will suit my face" and as my face changes (having 2 babies will do that to you), Ben keeps my hair managable yet flattering. His coloring lasts longer than other colorists too.... I'm coming back Ben, don't worry, I'm coming back for good! read more

My stylist was out of town and I was in need of a trimming, so I checked out Ben. Ben is very nice and his customer service is over the top. Although he may be great ffor others, he doesn't work for me. I asked him to cut my hair in a particular way, but it was too short and now, I have been stressed out, even got extra pimples and sleepless nights from all the stress. All I can do now is wait for my hair to grow. My confidence level went from 9 to 4 in just one day. Don't let this stop you. He is very nice and his pricing is decent. I am sure that he will work wonders for others, but I will stick to my same stylist. read more

Ben is awesome! My hair is a nightmare, I have every type of hair texture--straight, wavy, kinky and frizzy. Plus, it's very thick and dry AND I had a terrible haircut about 6 months ago which I thought I'd never recover from. I'm also growing it out. Ben created order from disorder, he added a little style and flourish. He attended to all the screwy little cowlicks so the end result is manageable, polished, and suits my face and style. I've tried every ridiculous hair procedure and salon and I'm perfectly happy with Ben. I hope I never have to move. For all of you with crazy hair, Ben is wonderful. He customizes the cut to you and your hair's idiosyncracies and leaves you looking fabulous, what more could anyone ask for? read more

Whoa damn! Ben read my review and stepped up his game to give me the best damn haircut I've had. I was totally floored and continually smiling as I watched him work his magic. I'll be going to him for a long time to come. read more

I can't believe I picked a guy to cut my hair off Yelp! Desperate for a cut & color, I actually went in blind, with nothing but his Yelp ratings! He was terrific, very funny too, providing not only a good cut, lovely blow-out, an even entertainment :) He did one thing most stylists won't: he gave me tips on coloring my own hair in between salon visits. That tells me he REALLY cares about my being happy with my hair, not necessarily getting me in the most often or for the most services. read more

Ben is very knowledgeable and finds you the perfect coloring and cut! Plus, he is a very nice guy. I get compliments frequently on my hair color - I do full color and highlights and it comes out great every time. read more

After getting my hair slaughtered by a stylist that came highly recommended, (*ahem* Blaire read Tribez review), I just wanted to chop off all of her horrible layers that she cut into my hair. I went to Ben asking if he could just give me a bob and cut the whole darn thing off. After looking at my hair and face for a few seconds, he suggested that I don't drastically cut my hair and that he'll try to see what he can do. 45 minutes later and ta-da, my hair looks good again. I'm very happy that I took his advice and kept some length. As another yelper said, he doesn't say much as he's cutting your hair, but does look like he's focusing very hard. His price is very reasonable ($45 for cut) compared to the other trendy places I've been. Thanks yelpers. I can actually wear my hair down again. read more

well, I think yelp failed me this time... it's a first....bangs? I don't wear bangs... I wanted layers....I have this patch of hair that is just hanging off the side... its like someone just took a pair of scissors and randomly cut...so the front of my hair is crook... not sure the intention...the hair on the left is much shorter than the hair on the right... the front hair is too long to be bangs but too short to blend in with the other part of my hair... its just bad... read more

I started seeing Ben when I saw one of his client's hair cut. I have to bravely asked her who did her hair and she raved about Ben. And from then on I'm hooked. He's been doing my hair cut and now coloring for almost 3 years. Always pleasant, always helpful, always there when I need him. read more

BEN IS THE BEST! No one else is ever going near my hair again with a pair of scissors! Not only did he give me a great hair cut, but I went in after having gotten a really bad one that I asked him to fix. My hairs looks amazing! I can't thank him enough! He is located at Victoria Station right by Starbucks on El Camino with lots of parking in front and back. He takes only cash. Not a problem at the very affordable prices. I have medium long hair he layered, textured, spent an hour on and it was only $45. THANK YOU BEN!!!!!!! read more

I've gotten my hair cut by the same stylist since I was a little girl, so needless to say I was hesitant to venture out into uncharted territory, but I needed a haircut badly, so I decided to do some extensive Yelp research and decided to test the waters with Ben. When I arrived at European Styling Parlor, Ben greeted me with a smile and offered me a seat in his chair. I explained to him that I was cutting off 10 inches of my hair to donate it, and he knew exactly what to do and was very supportive as he went about his task. He took the time to gauge how long my hair would be and what would look best, which comforted me, since I haven't had my hair this short in a very long time and was nervous that it might look bad. Once he decided on what to do, he was quick and efficient at snipping off the ten inches, giving my hair a wash, and then getting down to the details. I told him that I generally like clean and simple cuts, and he nodded and said I'd love my hair, so I sat back and read a book while he worked his magic. When he was done, I was pretty impressed with how I looked. It was surely different from the long locks that I'd gotten used to, but elegant without being overdone. It's taken me a few days to really get a feel for it, but I've gotten multiple compliments on my new hair, and I really enjoy the way it flips and falls. Five gold stars to Ben Nguyen! read more

Adore Ben! He gives truly terrific cuts that seem to grow out naturally, nothing awkward. His prices are reasonable, he won't engulf you in a lot of chitchat, and you can make an appointment on the fly, he almost always can accommodate me. I have moved out of the area but I still drive to go see him, I can't bring myself to make a change because he's that good. read more

Ben is great! For more than 15 years he's been providing great color and cut for me, and he's been cutting my son's hair for more than 10 years. Whenever I want a change, I ask him to recommend something that works best for my face. He goes to shows to stay on top of the latest trends. Great cuts, highlights, lowlights, and styling for both adults and kids. read more

I really wanted to be able to leave a good review, but alas, here we are at 2 stars. I heard great things, so was expecting a no-brainer. Asked for exactly the same cut I have been getting for the last 5+years (simple bob with layering). After about an hour, with interruptions of other clients calling since he has no receptionist and a bit of rushing to get to the next client, I got a totally different cut--WTF?? Yeah, he is nice, washes and dries your hair, and is relatively inexpensive, but I think he is a solid B hairstylist, at best. I think when a client is specific and certain they want a certain hairstyle, the stylist should listen!!! Once the cut is done, there is no going back, literally! Glad other yelpers are happy, but this is a bit immature for me. read more

Ben has been cutting my hair for 10 (!) years now. He has always done a fantastic job. A few times when he was on vacation I would try someone else and would regret it instantly. Of course you can show him a picture of what you want, but he can also design a style for you based on your face and lifestyle. He has always come up with a great look for me from the time I was a young professional to a law student to lawyer and now a stay-at-home mom. I have even brought in my 3 yo daughter and he gives her the cutest "sassy" cut that gets compliments everywhere. The fact that he's so reasonably priced is just icing on the cake. Also, you can usually get appointments just a couple days out. Tip: on Mondays he has the place to himself if you prefer a nice, relaxed atmosphere. read more

Ben is awesome! He really knows what he is doing. My hair always looked exactly how I pictured it, it was like he could read my mind! I highlight my hair blond and it always looked natural. I referred several people to him who were also really happy with him and grateful to find him. I moved to the area and didn't know anyone and looked on Yelp and found Ben. I was so happy with him, but sadly had to move away and now I really miss Ben. Thanks Ben! read more

I just got my hair cut at Ben's, and it is the BEST hair cut that I have ever gotten. He did an excellent job on highlights, hair cuts and sure he can blow dry your hair and make it looks very stylist! GREAT JOB Ben!!! Good location, easy parking. I highly recommend it. read more

I have been Ben's client for about 6 years. He is great at what he does! I go in for a haircut every 3 months. Sometimes I go to style my hair when I have to attend a wedding or I have a special party. He is very professional and very friendly. I absolutely recommend him! My hair looks nice because of him. read more

I really loved getting my hair done here.. but Ben hired a new stylist.. and she is very rude stuck up looks "TWEAKY" ans not very pleasant to be around.. I do not recommend having her do your hair. read more

I've been going to Ben for about 1 year now and he has been very consistent with my cut/color..and his price is really reasonable. He's usually able to squeeze me in within a few days notice (which is great for a procrastinator like me!). He has made very good suggestions and I've received many compliments on my cut/color. read more